Pregnancy Weeks 33-37 - Page 3

Signs of nearing birth

You body may begin to feel more uncomfortable as your due date nears. As your unborn baby grows in size and crowds the abdominal cavity, you may have difficulty taking deep breaths or getting comfortable at night for sleep. Or you may be free from any discomfort as you anxiously await the arrival of your new son or daughter.

Some common changes and symptoms you may experience during the third trimester include the following:

Colostrum (a fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until the breast milk becomes available) may begin to leak from your nipples.

Dad's corner

Have you noticed mom is a little on the emotional side lately? Does she seem irritable one minute, and tearfully happy the next? Welcome to the mysterious wonders of pregnancy hormones! As a woman moves through the stages of pregnancy, hormone levels rise and fall. These changes can affect mood and emotions, as well as how she feels physically.

And more is affecting mom than just hormones. The discomforts of pregnancy may include difficulty sleeping, which makes her more tired. It's also likely she has some concerns about the changes that are happening inside her, and what lies ahead in labor and birth. As she adjusts to the idea of becoming a mother, is it any wonder her emotions are on a see-saw?

Tips for dadHere's how you can help. Be sensitive to her needs--cuddle and pamper her when she wants it, and don't be offended if she doesn't. Give her opportunities to express what she is feeling. Sometimes, just talking about it will help her work through her concerns. Remind her that she is already doing a great job as a mom as your baby grows inside her. Take time to do things together as a couple, and enjoy these last months as you prepare together for parenthood.